Leeds pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Leeds - good or
bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have
to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you
an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can
follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

Whitelocks, Leeds

Reviews by BITE users:

I made a visit to this pub in December 2014 (together with 'er indoors) on a nostalgia trip to Leeds. I hadn't been in Whitelock's for over forty years but still remembered it being a bit of a gem then. It was with a bit of trepidation that called in (initially just to see if it changed much) and I'm delighted to report that it looks almost exactly the same as it did in the late 1960s / early 1970s when I used it as a lunchtime waterhole. The beer I had today was well kept (Theakstons Best Bitter), served at the right temperature and there were other tempting real ales to be had. Substantial sandwiches (in this case with thick slices of real ham) were had in front of a proper open fire. This is a very good example of a traditional city pub with a fascinating and quaint interior. The clientele I saw today were a wide range of age and background so, mercifully, it hasn't become a smart wine bar or a haunt for city slickers. If you get a chance, do make a visit.

5 Dec 2014 20:53

A bit of a one-off hidden away along an alley besides the new Trinity Shopping Centre in town.

Apparently the oldest pub in Leeds, this reminded a bit of Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn with its narrow stairwell and unique character.

Similarly, the ale was cracking - I had a couple Kirkstall Pale Ales and a Blonde from Acorn Brewery - and each pint was as clean as a whistle.

Also had a bit of food, too, which was decent - loved the stained glass shutter window that separated the bar and the kitchen!

28 Apr 2014 13:02

I was on my way from the Hop to the station when I got sidetracked and decided to walk on a little further, then I discovered this proper hidden gem which is tucked away from the shopping area of Briggate.

Very narrow inside just like outside....wooden floors, plenty of brass & the most amazing tiled bar front you'll ever see. This is a quality pub, dates from 1715 and obviously has been preserved with lots of love, care and hard work.

8 ales on the pumps, all from guest breweries....I went for Kirkstall Breweries Kirkstall Pale Ale @ 4%....again another decent pint.

Busy at 3pm with locals....plenty of chatter and good Yorkshire banter.

Yet another pub far too many miles from my home that I would love to have as a local.....absolutely quality. I'm back in July and will definitely be back in here.

10/10 from me.

14 Apr 2014 11:37

The North Bar, Leeds

Reviews by BITE users:

Definitely eclectic! A little shop-like bar with a range of cask and "craft" ales. Note the old photo booth and the list of beers they have had printed on the wall. Younger persons bar but I didn't feel out of place even though I am well past it!I managed not to give in to the very tempting carrot and orange cake on offer!! Stays open late.

13 Mar 2014 12:35

Visited on 6 Feb. Early signs were good - a pleasant, eclectic crowd and an impressive, if expensive, selection of beer. I was told I could only have half a pint of Dark Star Critical Mass (which at 7.8% I thought was fair enough at the time). At around 8.30 the place almost emptied and then seemed to become rather cliquey, with the young barman overindulging a small group of regulars, one of whom was served a pint of Magic Rock Cannonball (only, I think, 0.4% less than the Critical Mass) without question even though he was already quite obviously three sheets to the wind. I left and let them get on with it.

9 Feb 2014 20:30

Welcomes old codgers in suits like me as well as the new craft beer cognoscenti, which isn't always something I can say about East London. Staff were very friendly helpful, although a botched attempt to pour a Flying Dog Porter meant my £4.50 half was pour value, if tasty. A local strong IPA was even better in taste, and half the price. Very comfortable place to read a book, even in early evening Leeds.

Reviews by BITE users:

I keep trying the pubs of Leeds near the station. They keep disappointing me. However, this Nicholsons pub always seems to be a safe retreat amid the fancy, trendy bars.

Great beer, good service, it'll do for me.

16 Oct 2014 22:04

Busy Nicholsons pub opposite the station. The Leeds Brewery's Pale Ale was excellent and there were around half a dozen other real ales to choose from. The food looked and smelled good. On the down side, the drink was expensive - my pint, 2 gin & tonics and a medium glass of red wine came to over£18! Music was too loud, and the bar could have done with a hoover.

10 Jul 2014 18:06

First pub of my Yorkshire weekend break, bang opposite Leeds station and after a 2 and 1/2 hr journey this pub was just what the doctor ordered.

Large and attractive Nicholson's pub with a great choice of ales.

Of the 7 available ales on my visit I opted for a pint of Rudgate, Brew No 8 Cherry Pale @ 3.9%....priced at £3.20 which to me as a London lad is good value.

Lovely interior which has been very tastefully decorated.

Busy with punters both eating and drinking.

Perfect location as mentioned, this is a smashing pub and the perfect place for me to start my tour.....off to The Hop next.

Reviews by BITE users:

I visited Leeds in January and was unimpressed by the lax barstaff. However, I eventually got a beer. It was so cool it had a chill haze and no real taste.

I gave the pub another chance last night, but upon opening the door the stench of seafood was too much for me.

16 Oct 2014 21:52

Very nice indeed and handily located for Leeds station. I was supposed to be detoxing on my visit to Leeds but couldn't resist a Yorkshire Gold in here. And then another etc...

4 Apr 2014 13:31

A nice thing to see in that it does a good job of pleasing everyone - it's close to the station, has a super selection of ales and yet is fashionable enough for it to be not too male a haunt. A great effort and a must stop on any visit to Leeds.

The Hop, Leeds

Reviews by BITE users:

A decent pub under the railway arches overlooking the wharf with outside seating area at the front. A very good selection of cask ales at very reasonable prices for the area. Recommended; well worth a visit.

19 May 2014 21:36

Ossett brewery tap in Granary Wharf under the station and it just happened to be opposite my hotel.

Pub number 2 & beer number 2...11 ales on the pumps with 4 offerings from Ossett Brewery, I opted for a pint of their Pale Gold @ 3.8%. Listed as a session ale this is quite a creamy beer and maybe not what I was expecting....good nonetheless and superbly priced at £2.70....makes the Scarbrough Hotel seem expensive!

A few drinkers in on my mid afternoon visit.

Large seating area out the front which is perfect to sit out in decent weather, which Friday was.

All in all a very good bar, great beer choice and cheap too.

Brewery Tap or 'Spoons next decisions decisions!

14 Apr 2014 10:08

Good use of the railway arches but the entrance is on the river/canal side. Within easy walking distance of the station. Good range of the Ossett Brewery beers plus a couple of guests. Mezzanine floor and plenty of room for all. They do food which comes in polystyrene containers!! I have used this bar several times as it is just across the road from the LUFC bus stop (but it doesn't get football rowdies !!)